Seeking outstanding PhD applicants to advance Australia’s transition to a ‘sustainable’ plastics future
Generous scholarships from $36,000 to $45,000 per annum (tax-free) with industry placements available
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites is offering generous PhD scholarships with industry placements.
19 fully funded scholarships are available
Funding is for 3.5 years with the possibility of a 6 month extension.
About us
There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. The new ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. We are a collaboration between industry, The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Our vision is to perform leading edge research and to develop industry-ready specialists to underpin Australia’s transition to a globally significant bioplastics and biocomposites industry.
About the opportunity
Up to 19 scholarships are available for outstanding PhD candidates to work in a multidisciplinary research team, embedded in industry. PhD projects are available in each of the following themes:
We have a critical focus on providing an exceptional PhD experience.
The 19 chief investigators and six industry partner investigators are recognised as national and global leaders in bioresource development, bioplastic and biocomposite manufacture and processing, sustainability in supply chain management, environmental and behavioural economics, and environmental impact assessment.
As a Centre student you will receive mentoring from these academic and industry leaders, access internal funding opportunities, and gain real world experience through targeted training and extensive industry placements.
Available projects
Applications are ongoing
Applications for the projects below have now closed.
- ‘Green’ additives and fillers for environmentally benign biocomposites
- Novel halophilic biotechnology for PHA production from sugar
- PHA in the circular economy
- Bioplastics and responsible innovation
- Bioplasticizers and biopolymers from agricultural waste
- Bio-based polyurethane nanocomposite impregnated with different nanoparticles with antibacterial properties
- Fundamental physics of starch barrier films for extended shelf life
- Development of thin high barrier packaging films
- Optimisation of bioresources, technologies and markets for bioplastics
- Development of sustainable biodegradable products based on polyhydroxyalkanoates
- Entrepreneurial ecosystems in bioplastics
- When can a plastic be considered biodegradable?
- Recycling and other end of life options of bioplastics
About you
Expressions of interest are invited from outstanding Australian and international graduates with a passion for global sustainability. Candidates must meet Australian university entry requirements (for further information please see UQ and QUT criteria). Candidates also need excellent written and verbal communication skills. Specific projects outline additional desired skills, such as chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, process engineering, social science, or business. Click on the project links above for further details.
Enquiries and applications
For enquiries and to apply, please forward a covering letter (detailing 1) your motivation, 2) research project / CI or theme of interest and 3) how your experience aligns with our research program), your curriculum vitae (please include evidence of research writing) and academic transcripts to:
Dr Lisa Pope
Centre manager, ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
l.pope@uq.edu.au
+61 07 3346 6466
The Centre for Bioplastics supports a diverse workforce. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Applications for available projects are ongoing, next notifications for interview will be released by 19 October 2023
